Mumbai commuter shames rowdy card players on Facebook

The group of men was playing cards and disturbing fellow passengers, and refused to stop even after the complainant requested them to

While every commuter in local trains has to put up with the unruly behaviour of fellow passengers from time to time, a Nallasopara resident recently decided to take action against them. Vishnu Das has registered a complaint with the Western Railway’s Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), claiming that a group of men was playing cards and disturbing fellow passengers in the train.

One of the photos taken by the complainant that he posted on Facebook to shame the unruly group

Das had boarded a crowded 7.46 pm Bandra-bound train from Mahalaxmi last week, when he saw a group of men playing cards and talking loudly. According to Das, he asked the men to lower their voice and keep the briefcase (which they were using to play cards on) aside, so that he could get some space to stand. However, they refused saying, “Magajmari mat kar (Don’t irritate us).”

“I told them repeatedly, but they did not listen to me. I had no option at that time, since I was alone and they were a group. So, I decided to click their photos and upload them on Facebook. I wanted to shame the men who spoke rudely to me and were creating nuisance. I wanted them to see that not everyone would lay low and take their rowdy behaviour,” said Vishnu.

He added that trains are for travelling and not playing cards, and the men were not only disturbing him, but fellow passengers as well. He claims that this was not the only time last week that he has found men playing cards in the train. While travelling on the 8.13 pm Churchgate-Bandra local and 6.33 pm Churchgate-Bhayander local, he has observed groups of men playing cards and causing a ruckus.

After the photos were posted on Facebook, some of his friends advised him to register a complaint, so that authorities can take action against them. “I went searching for authorities at Mumbai Central station many times but couldn’t find anyone. Finally, on Monday, I went to the DRM’s office and registered my complaint. I also handed over a CD with the photos. I was happy that they registered my complaint without a fuss and have assured me that they will take action,” added Das.

Official speakSpeaking to mid-day, Shailendra Kumar, DRM, Western Railway, said, “I will check the complaint and if we find any group playing cards in trains, or creating nuisance, they will be nabbed. We assure that passengers in the local trains will have a convenient ride, henceforth.”